Introduction

 In the written assignments you will respond to questions about the sampler technologies that reflect the materials discussed within each of the three major areas of the course. You will give your opinions of the sampler technologies and the application of the course materials to understanding public responses to them. Instructions for preparing and submitting the papers are provided below.

Description of the Written Assignments

 Written Assignment #1
Due Date: Tuesday, October 7th

Do Iowans have adequate control over large-scale hog confinement operations?

Write two statements as if you will be submitting them as Letters to the Editor of the Des Moines Register. In the first letter, argue in favor of large-scale hog confinement operations; in the second letter, argue against these operations.

In both letters, focus your arguments on the topic of citizen control over technology policy. Do not be concerned about saying too much (some letters to the Editor are very long), but you need not write more than three double-spaced pages for each letter.

In your letters, use the language of risk you would expect to find from the social structure and critical perspectives of sociology. In your letter of support for hog lots, you might, for example, use the social structure perspective to point out how this technology benefits Iowa overall. Or, you might point out in your letter of opposition how hog lots have a net negative effect on Iowa. In your letter of opposition for hog lots, you might want to use the critical perspective to argue that these operations are controlled by the powerful elite and benefit only them, to the detriment of other Iowans. Or you might, in your statement of support for hog lots, claim that opponents are unduly influenced by false presumptions of conspiracies by the power elite.

If you want, let me know how, if at all, this exercise influenced the opinions you held about large-scale hog lots before taking this course.

Readings: Written Assignment #2
Due Date: Thursday, November 13th

Read at least two articles written by Michael Fumento, a noted proponent of agricultural technologies and critique of opponents of these technologies. Then, place yourself in the position of defending opponents of genetic modification--even if you agree with Mr. Fumento--and write a response to Fumento's claims. Your response should be no longer than five pages and address the topics outlined below.

The purpose of this assignment is to place yourself in the position of opponents who must defend themselves against claims that they are behaving in an irrational manner and hindering societal well-being by slowing the progress of valuable new technologies.
  1. One claim is that we, as citizens who express concerns about gmo's, are anti-industry. Find good arguments and legitimate concerns expressed by opponents that counter this argument. That is, show how opponents are not anti-industry, but simply concerned that industry might be making some mistakes in their management of genetic modification.
  2. Another claim made against us when we express concerns about genetic modification is that we ignore the fact that society is getting safer. Use the materials on the sampler web page or other information, to defend our position as a legitimate concern about industry's ability to effectively manage potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms (i.e., gmo's).
  3. Do we expect 100% safety? As persons who raise concerns about the management of gmo's, are we expecting too much? Defend our claims that the public should become more involved in managing the production and distribution of genetically modified organisms.
Readings:

Instructions for Preparing the Papers

 Please follow these instructions carefully. Points will be deducted from your assignments for failure to do so.

Format
  1. Papers should have 1" margins all around.
  2. The type font should be Times New Roman, size 12.
  3. All text other than references should be double-spaced; type references in single space.
  4. All pages except the first page should be numbered (center, bottom).
  5. Be aware that some professional publications will not allow the use of personal pronouns. Almost all sociology journals do allow the use of personal pronouns. Because the written assignments here ask for your personal opinions, feel free to use the pronouns "I" and "me."
  6. The written assignments must be submitted as paper copies. Electronic copies will not be accepted.
  7. Each assignment is graded for a maximum score of 20 points.

Tips for Technical Writing

 You will receive significant point deductions on your papers for poor quality writing. I suggest learning the basics of good technical writing by visiting the online resources listed below. I strongly suggest following the directions provided on the Tips for Technical Writing web page.

Helpful Web Sites

These web sites provide extensive on-line lessons in technical writing: These sites provide quick references to common mistakes made in technical writing: